Austyn Blair

AUSTYN BLAIR (2025)

• Majors: English (Literature)
• Minors: Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Religion, and Gender & Sexuality Studies

Why did you choose your concentration or emphasis?

Initially I chose to have my concentration be in Literature because I love reading, writing, and analyzing. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t because I thought I was a poor creative writer. Looking back, I would absolutely still choose Literature to be my concentration, but I wish I was kinder to myself and my perception of my creative writing skills. Thankfully, I took a few writing classes at PLU that helped me appreciate and love writing for fun!

Why did you choose PLU?

My school counselor in high school told me about PLU! He suggested it because of the small class sizes, location in the PNW, and the strong academic programs.

What was your favorite thing about studying English?

I loved talking to other students and comparing annotations and interpretations of various texts. One of my favorite things about PLU was that because it’s a smaller school, I knew my peers and we usually had multiple classes together over the years, which meant we could really dig into each other’s thoughts and ideas.

Do you think getting your PLU English degree was worthwhile?

Absolutely. I am so proud to be an alum of PLU, and especially the English department.

What was your favorite thing about the PLU English Department?

The professors! I had so many amazing classes taught by passionate, knowledgeable professors that not only clearly cared about the subject material, but the students. I felt (and feel) so known and cared for in the department. I also loved the variety of classes and how they often overlapped with my other minors, which allowed me to learn so much more about a variety of different subjects.

Do you have any tips for current/future students?

Engage! Engage with the material, your classmates, and especially your professor! Even if it’s just chatting with the person next to you before class starts, you never know who you’ll meet and stay connected with. The material that the professor is having you read matters, and your interpretation matters–bring your questions, frustrations, confusion, excitement, everything to the classroom and learn what other people think.

How did you make connections during/after the program?

While I was in school, I tried to get to know the people in my classes, even if it was just a few people sitting around me. I often had multiple classes with the people in the department (perks of a small school), which meant that over the years I got to really know my peers. Since graduating, I have tried my best to stay in touch with these friends and keep up with their academic/career lives, as well as their personal lives. I also have tried to make an effort to stay connected with my professors. I find myself reflecting on the classes I’ve taken, and try to reach out to my former professors when something I see makes me think of them!